COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado — El Paso County Sheriff's Deputies and Colorado Springs Police Officers are no longer searching for a suspect wanted in connection with a shooting that claimed the life of a deputy on Sunday.
The shooting happened at approximately 5:07 p.m. in the 500 block of Ponderosa Drive in Security. Sheriff Bill Elder told reporters that two deputies and a Fountain police officer arrived at the scene almost simultaneously and were immediately met with gunfire.
The officers returned fire. Deputy Andrew Peery, 39, was struck in the exchange. Elder said additional personnel immediately rendered aid and other life-saving measures to Deputy Peery when they arrived. Peery later died of his injuries.
“Andrew was a highly dedicated, highly decorated SWAT operator for the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office," Elder said.
He had been with the sheriff's office since 2016.
The suspect was identified as 33-year-old John Paz.
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office says the scene is now secure and there is no longer a threat to the public.
We can now confirm the scene is secure and there is no longer a threat to the public. This is a very complex investigation and our detectives will be on scene for several hours. Please continue to avoid the area. We will release more information as appropriate.
— Colorado Springs Police Department (@CSPDPIO) August 8, 2022
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The El Paso County Sheriff's Office is warning residents living in the area of Ponderosa Drive and Grand Boulevard in Security-Widefield to shelter in place. In a social media post, the sheriff's office asked residents to secure their homes and stay away from windows and doors.
This is in response to ongoing law enforcement activity related to a shooting in the area. They ask the public to only dial 911 in a life or death emergency.
This is a developing story. Check back with News 5 for updates.
